Air-Fryer Veggie Chips: A Healthy, Homemade Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make healthier veggie chips. You can use a variety of vegetables, such as zucchini, sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, and parsnips. The process is simple: slice the vegetables thinly, soak and dry them, add oil and seasoning, and then cook in the air fryer. The result is a crispy, delicious, and healthy snack.

Choosing your vegetables

The beauty of veggie chips is that you can use almost any vegetable you like. The most popular options include root vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, taro, beets, and carrots. But you can also get creative and use vegetables like turnips, zucchini, butternut squash, onion, artichokes, or even garlic. If you're feeling extra adventurous, try making kale chips or coconut chips!

When choosing your vegetables, consider the flavor combinations you want to create. For example, you can use a mix of sweet potatoes and beets for a sweet and earthy taste. Or, if you want something more savory, try using zucchini, carrots, and onions. You can also experiment with different types of potatoes, such as purple potatoes or golden beets, to add some color to your chips.

Keep in mind that some vegetables may require different preparation methods. For instance, root vegetables like sweet potatoes and beets tend to have more starch, so it's a good idea to soak them in ice water for about 20 minutes before cooking to remove the excess starch and ensure crispiness. On the other hand, zucchini and other watery vegetables will need to have their moisture removed by blotting them with paper towels or letting them air dry before cooking.

If you're short on time, choose quick-cooking vegetables like zucchini, which typically takes only about 13 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Harder vegetables like sweet potatoes may take a bit longer, around 20-30 minutes.

No matter which vegetables you choose, the key to delicious veggie chips is thin and even slicing. Using a mandoline is the best way to achieve this, but if you don't have one, you can carefully slice the vegetables with a sharp knife. Just be aware that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your slices.

Slicing your vegetables

When using a mandoline, be extra careful, as it is a very sharp tool. Slice your vegetables to about 1/16-inch thick, or 1/4-inch if you prefer them a little thicker. If you're making sweet potato or purple potato chips, place the slices in a bowl of water and allow them to soak for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Then, dry them thoroughly with paper towels or a kitchen towel.

If you're making beetroot chips, you can either toss the slices in a small amount of salt and oil to draw out excess moisture, or layer them between sheets of kitchen paper. Zucchini chips will also have excess moisture, so squeeze as much as you can out of the slices with paper towels and leave them to dry for a few minutes.

Once your vegetables are sliced and dried, add them to a large bowl with olive oil and salt, and mix to coat evenly.

Drying your vegetables

Once you have thinly sliced your vegetables, place the slices in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 20-30 minutes. This step is especially important for root vegetables or starchy vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots, as it helps to remove excess starch, which will make your chips crispier. After soaking, be sure to thoroughly dry the vegetable slices with paper towels or a kitchen towel.

If you are making beet chips, you can also draw out excess moisture by tossing the slices with a small amount of salt and oil after slicing. If you prefer not to use salt, you can layer the sliced beets between sheets of kitchen paper to absorb the moisture. Zucchini chips tend to have more moisture, so be sure to squeeze as much liquid out of the slices as possible with paper towels and let them dry for a bit longer.

For kale chips, break the kale into chip-sized pieces and wash them thoroughly. To dry them, you can dab them with kitchen paper or use a salad spinner.

Seasoning your vegetables

Salt and Pepper

A little salt and pepper can go a long way in enhancing the flavour of your veggie chips. You can use regular table salt or opt for sea salt for a more nuanced taste. Freshly ground black pepper will add a subtle kick to your chips.

Drying and Soaking

Before seasoning, it's important to dry your vegetable slices thoroughly with paper towels, especially if you're using starchy vegetables like potatoes or root vegetables. This step ensures that your chips will come out crispy. Soaking starchy vegetables in ice water for about 20 minutes is also recommended to remove excess starch, and don't forget to rinse them thoroughly afterwards.

Oiling

A light coating of olive oil or cooking spray oil will help give your chips a crisp texture and boost their flavour. Don't worry if you prefer not to use oil, as you can still make delicious veggie chips in an air fryer without it.

Herbs and Spices

Now, for the fun part—experimenting with herbs and spices! Caraway seeds, fennel seeds, rosemary, and chilli powder are all excellent options to consider. You can also stick to basic seasonings like garlic powder or paprika. If you want to get creative, try using rosemary, thyme, cayenne, or even cinnamon for a sweet twist.

Flavour Combinations

You can also try combining different seasonings to create unique flavour profiles. For example, a simple combination of garlic and salt works wonderfully, and you can take it up a notch by adding parmesan cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different blends of seasonings and see what tasty creations you can come up with.

Dipping Sauces

Don't forget that dipping sauces can also enhance the flavour of your veggie chips. Try dipping your chips into hummus, salsa, queso, ranch dressing, or any other dip or spread that suits your taste.

Cooking your veggie chips

Veggie chips are a great, healthy snack that can be made with a variety of vegetables. The process of making them is largely the same, regardless of the type of vegetable you choose. Here is a step-by-step guide to making veggie chips in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

First, select your vegetables. Popular options include sweet potatoes, parsnips, zucchini, beets, carrots, and even garlic. Once you have your vegetables, thinly slice them using a mandoline. Aim for a thickness of around 1/16 to 1/4 of an inch. If you don't have a mandoline, you can use a sharp knife, but this will take longer, and the slices may not be as even.

If you are using starchy vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes, soak the slices in a bowl of water for about 20-30 minutes to remove excess starch. This will help them crisp up when fried. Rinse them thoroughly and dry them completely with paper towels or a kitchen towel.

Step 2: Season the Vegetables

Place the dried vegetable slices in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice. Basic seasonings like garlic powder or paprika work well, but you can also get creative with flavours like rosemary, thyme, or even cinnamon for a sweet option. Use tongs to toss the slices and ensure they are evenly coated.

Step 3: Air Fry the Vegetables

Preheat your air fryer to around 320-360 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the seasoned vegetable slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. You may need to cook in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for 15-30 minutes, flipping the slices every 5 minutes or so to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Serve and Store

Remove the veggie chips from the air fryer when they are crispy and golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as a snack or side dish, paired with your favourite dip. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature and are best consumed within 2-3 days.

Frequently asked questions